KM Johnson Davis's Blog, page 4

Fasting Preparation

When you decide to partake in any type of fast it is important to prepare. Preparation not only comes in the form of buying groceries, but also in getting yourself mentally prepared for what you are about to do. When we jump into things without thinking through them, it can sometimes backfire on us and cause us to lack the ability to endure. In the next few paragraphs, I am going to give you a few tips to help you be successful along your fasting journey. Please keep in mind these tips are for spiritual/biblical fasting. One of the best ways to help get your mind on track with your fast and to focus in on what you are about to accomplish is to write it down. Make a plan for the next 21 days or however long you have chosen to fast. Don’t just plan your food or shopping list, but determine your purpose for fasting and write it down. Why are you fasting? Is it for healing, financial, career, marriage, family issues? Be specific. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead guide and direct you as to why you should be fasting. Fasting will require you to deny your flesh, basically your own personal will for that of God. (Romans 12:2) Fasting will allow the Holy Spirit to show you the areas where you are weak. So it is important to confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness from anyone whom you may have offended. One of my favorite scriptures (Mark 11:24-25) reminds us that God will give us the “things” we desire, but that changes if we are holding on to any unforgiveness. Two parts of the preparation phase depend on decision making. You must decide what you will fast from and how long. Both of these decisions are important. If you are new to fasting, it is ok to start slow. Begin with a few days or a daytime fast (6am to 6pm) and see how you do. The Holy Spirit can bless you to endure a longer period of time. Just be sure to go into the fast knowing that it may be possible for you to go longer than you intended. Now as for what to fast from, as I have stated before, fasting from food is what is considered fasting. Other things such as television, social media, etc are ok, but to really experience God, you should remove food. Moses did not have Facebook and Daniel wasn’t turning off the tv… Lastly, I want you to know that the fast won’t be glorious. Your body will be going through detoxification. You will experience irritability, hunger pains and headaches to name a few. But on the flip side, you will begin to experience more of God as he speaks to you throughout this process. Remember to fill the time you would normally spend eating, with reading your bible and praying. Preparing to end a fast is just as important as preparing to start one. Come off of it slowly. Don’t rush into eating those greasy fried foods or drinking those sugary drinks you haven’t had for the duration of your fast. This can cause you to become sick. Pace yourself. Below I have added some sample menus to help you begin planning out your days as you prepare for this time of prayer and fasting. Sample Menus Breakfast Ideas: (Choose one daily) 1. Oatmeal I cup oatmeal (not instant) with 1/4 cup chopped apples, 2 Tbs. raisins, 1 Tbs. chopped walnuts and pinch of cinnamon 2. Daniel Fast Smoothie 1 cup calcium-fortified unsweetened soymilk, 1 small banana, 1/2 cup frozen berries of choice, 2-3 ice cubes; whip in blender 10 almonds or 20 pistachios Lunch Ideas: (Choose one daily) 1. Flatbread with Salad 3 cups fresh baby spinach topped with 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, segments of 1 small orange, 2 Tbs. toasted sliced almonds, 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil and apple cider vinegar to taste 1 whole-wheat flatbread 2. Quick Mediterranean Platter 1 medium sliced tomato, 1 small sliced ball pepper, 1/4 cup pepperoncini, 5 large olives, 1/3 cup hummus 1 1/2 oz. whole-wheat flatbread 3. Easy Veggie Soup Simmer 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as scallions, carrots, and greens), 1/2 cup white beans and herbs to taste in 2 cups vegetable broth 1 baked sweet potato, 1 tsp. olive oil, rosemary or other herb to taste Dinner Ideas: (Choose one daily) 1. Pasta 2 cups whole-grain pasta1 serving Easy Pasta Sauce (recipe below) Easy Pasta Sauce:Saute 1/2 cup each diced bell pepper and onion and 1 clove chopped garlic in 1 Tbs. olive oil.Stir in 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce plus herbs, salt and pepper to taste; simmer for 30 minutes. (Makes 6 servings). 2. Pineapple-Cashew Rice Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in pan; lightly brown 1/4 cup drained crushed pineapple (no syrup); stir in 3/4 cup cooked brown rice, 2 Tbs. chopped cashews; top with fresh chopped cilantro to taste 1 1/2 cup steamed broccoli or snow peas 3. Corn, Blackbeans and Avocado 3 cups chopped romaine, 3/4 cup each canned corn and black beans, 1/3 of an avocado, 1/4 cup fresh chunky salsa and lime wedges Snack Ideas: (Choose two daily) 3 cups air-popped popcorn1 small tangerine/mandarin orange ____________________________ 1 whole-grain flatbread1 1/2 tsp. natural nut butter ____________________________ Mango Smoothie:Blend 1 cup calcium-fortified unsweetened soymilk with 1/2 cup chopped, frozen mango, plus optional dash of cardamom ____________________________ 8 large olives1/2 large whole-grain pita ____________________________ 1/2 cup chickpeas with sprinkle of salt and 1 tsp. olive oil, roast at 375°F for 45 minutes, stirring often ____________________________ Daniel Fast Trail Mix:1 Tbs. each raisins or chopped dates, chopped dried apple, unsalted nuts and sunflower seeds Sample Menus Source: Woman’s World, 3/26/12 pp, 18, 19

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Types of Fasts

There are several types of fasts, but in this post I am specifically talking about spiritual or biblical fasting. A simple search for “fast or fasting” on the internet will provide a multitude of results with mixed information. It is important to note that spiritual/biblical fasting is a discipline that is between you and God. When you are first starting out, it is easy to think that the more intense your fast is, the more spiritual you will be. Unfortunately, that is not the case. At the end of the day God will honor whatever sacrifice you make, just be sure to make it your best sacrifice! In the Old Testament, fasting was considered as a way of humbling yourself before the Lord. In the New Testament it was a way to focus more on God and grow closer to Him. Today, some choose to fast from “things” such as social media and/or television. While that is a good approach when you are learning to fast, the truth is as we fast we should begin cutting those things out in order to consecrate ourselves for God. (Consecration is the practice of setting oneself apart, to make holy/ dedicate yourself to worshipping God. More on this in another post..) I have learned that when I pair fasting from food with fasting from television, social media, news etc.. it helps to cut out distractions and allows me to focus on hearing from God. Below is a list of the different types of fasts and a little more information about them. Each of the fasts have been taken directly from the bible. Full Fast – You drink only liquids (the length of time is determined by you and God).Partial Fast – A Partial Fast is done from sunup to sundown or a specific time frame, i.e. 6am to 6pm. This can be done as a full fast, Daniel fast or you give up at least one food item.Daniel Fast – You only eat fruit, vegetables, and anything that comes from a seed, as well as you drink only water and 100% juice (no sugar added). See More.3 Day Fast – This can be a full fast, a Daniel fast or you can choose to give up one food item. The decision as to what type of fast you should do is between you and God. Choosing a fast should be based off of your personal circumstances and convictions. As I said earlier, it does not matter what you choose, God will honor your sacrifice! This is a personal decision and you should prayerfully consider it based on your own circumstances.

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Why should I fast? What is it?

“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” Joel 2:12 KJV Fasting is something we may hear often, but tend to know little about. In the medical community, it is often said we should fast prior to a major surgery or routine lab work. In dieting we hear about intermittent fasting to tame our cravings and lose weight. But what does it mean to go on a spiritual fast? Spiritual fasting is a discipline. It is something that as a Christian is not only needed, but also expected. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus states in his instructions, “Moreover when ye fast,..” This phrase alone, lets us know that not only is fasting important, but it is also expected of us. When we decide to go on a spiritual fast, as Christians, we are saying that we are willing to deny our flesh of the things it desires in order to get an answer from God. This is why it is important to seek the Lord in prayer and let Him show you what is important for you to focus on during your time of prayer and fasting. I always recommend that you make a list of the questions you would like to place before God before you begin the fast. Also, it is a good idea to determine the length and type of fast at the very beginning as well. This helps to keep you from wavering throughout the fast if you have a bad day, and it also helps you to focus on what is important for you. Praying, fasting and seeking God at the very start of the year will only help you set the tone for the rest of the year. When we give God our first instead of our last, he blesses us even more! He promises that when we make Him the priority in our lives he will bless us…how great is that? Making the decision to fast may be one of the best decisions you can make in your spiritual journey. May God bless you, no matter what you decide!

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The Daniel Fast: Food List

When it comes to any “spiritual” fasting, I feel that it is extremely important to seek God once you have made the decision to fast. He will lead, guide, and direct you. He will tell you how long to fast, as well as what type of fast you should complete. The important thing is not to fast for the wrong reasons, and also, not to focus so much on food. Throughout your time of fasting, your focus should remain on God and what He is saying to you. Fasting is a time to be able to draw closer to God and His will for your life. It is a time to gain clarity and receive answers to some questions you may have. The Daniel Fast is a very specific fast. The details are laid out in the book of Daniel. He (Daniel) told the prince of the eunuchs, in Daniel 1, to give he and the other servants only pulse (food that was grown from seed) to eat and water to drink for 10 days and see how much better they would look and feel compared to those who ate of the king’s meat and drank of his wine. He also did this again in Daniel 10:2-3, this time it was for three weeks or 21 days. Below I have listed the foods that would have been acceptable under this fast. The following information was provided from The Daniel Fast website by Susan Gregory. Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy. All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn. All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter. All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans. All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame. Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices. Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs. All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, date honey, agave, stevia and cane juice. All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods. All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips. All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat. Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol. Remember, READ THE LABELS!

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Daniel Fast Food List

When it comes to any “spiritual” fasting, I feel that it is extremely important to seek God once you have made the decision to fast. He will lead, guide, and direct you. He will tell you how long to fast, as well as what type of fast you should complete. The important thing is not to fast for the wrong reasons, and also, not to focus so much on food. Throughout your time of fasting, your focus should remain on God and what He is saying to you. Fasting is a time to be able to draw closer to God and His will for your life. It is a time to gain clarity and receive answers to some questions you may have. The Daniel Fast is a very specific fast. The details are laid out in the book of Daniel. He (Daniel) told the prince of the eunuchs, in Daniel 1, to give he and the other servants only pulse (food that was grown from seed) to eat and water to drink for 10 days and see how much better they would look and feel compared to those who ate of the king’s meat and drank of his wine. He also did this again in Daniel 10:2-3, this time it was for three weeks or 21 days. Below I have listed the foods that would have been acceptable under this fast. The following information was provided from The Daniel Fast website by Susan Gregory. Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy. All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn. All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter. All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans. All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame. Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices. Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish. All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs. All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, date honey, agave, stevia and cane juice. All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods. All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips. All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat. Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol. Remember, READ THE LABELS!

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9 Last Minute Gift Ideas (No Gift Cards)

Last Minute Gift Ideas With so many options for Christmas gifts, you may be overwhelmed by the choices. And if you’re anything like most people in my family, you are probably thinking about gift card options or finding a card to put money, a check or money order in! While money is always nice, it’s impersonal and not as special as opening up that specially wrapped gift on Christmas Day! Here are some last minute gifts that are sure to get a smile on Christmas Day. Multi Stripe Scarf $49.50 by MadewellKindle Paperwhite E-Reader $99.99 by AmazonSugarfina Pop the Champagne Gift Set $50 at Sur la TableBecoming by Michelle Obama $19.50 at Barnes and NobleSwarovski 2018 Annual Edition Christmas Ball Ornament $99 at Neiman MarcusSlip Silk Travel Set $119 at Pottery BarnHP Sprocket Photo Printer $99.95 at Best BuyBevel Starter Kit $89.95 by BevelApple Watch Hermes Series 4 $1399 at Hermes If you still can’t find anything, then gift cards, subscriptions and subscription boxes are always an easy way to go! No matter what you decide, just remember Christmas is not about buying gifts and spending money. It’s about family, friends and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Have fun shopping and Merry Christmas!

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Happy International Women’s Day

Happy International Women’s Day, celebrating women around the globe since the 1900s.

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Carry on Packing List For A Long Haul Flight

  When I married my husband in 2011, little did I know that would mean a series of long haul flights and packing blunders!  I had always been an avid traveler prior to meeting him, but at the time, my cross the water trips generally resulted to one every other year or so. However, with a husband working overseas and an international speaking career, my traveling quickly expedited to 2+ long haul trips a year! Now I travel out of the country a minimum of 4 times per year, and I have learned how to do so with style, comfort and class. The first thing I did back then was search online for packing lists, which I am sure is what you were doing when you landed on my page. I wanted to know, what exactly should I be taking on this 16 hour flight? What should I pack in my carry on and what should I leave at home? If you are a minimalist, this list may not be for you. As I am by no means a minimalist, however, I do appreciate being organized and well planned. I was going to make this post about a packing list in general, however, I feel there should be a distinct strategy to packing your carryon bag. The first thing to keep in mind is how long you will be traveling for, the time of day you are departing, arriving at your destination, and if there will be any layovers. This is important because it will determine what is necessary to add to the carry on vs what to place in your checked bag. The tips I am providing are for airlines carriers that do not charge extra to carry on a bag or personal item. Although, the premise will work the same, aside from the fact it will cost you extra to bring the two bags aboard. Most flights allow 1 carryon and 1 personal item. This is good to keep in mind for those traveling with children and or a spouse. The allowance is per person/per ticketed passenger so if someone in your party is not utilizing their "extra item", it is possible to have them help you bring an item if you absolutely need to! (I do not recommend this unless it is something like a diaper bag or medication that could not fit in your own personal carryon).

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My 2017 Christmas Wish List

My 2017 Christmas Wish List

I have never done a “wish list” so I thought it would be fun to share with you a few of the things on my list! I’ve listed them here in no particular order and have selected items that I truly desire. So here goes…Let me know what you think!

Hunter Boots – It doesn’t rain often, but when it does, I always find myself wishing I had a nice pair of rain boots! I really like the style and design of the Hunter Boots. These would be a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. They come in various colors, matte or shiny, and
Long Silk Robe – When I moved back to Texas, I found myself waiting for my cable to be set up and several episodes of The Golden Girls on Hulu! I soon realized that every lady should have a beautiful, long, silk robe in her wardrobe. I especially love the “Holiday Gown” from the Dita Von Teese Collection by Catherine D’Lish!
Pearl Necklace – When my husband and I first married, he purchased a pearl necklace from Tiffany. I loved it. Unfortunately, over the years, I have somehow misplaced it. So this is a definite at the top of my wishlist! A lady should always have pearls and diamonds..
Crossbody Bag – I think every lady needs a crossbody bag in their collection, not only is it a practical solution when out on the town shopping or having lunch with friends, but it is also great when traveling and going through the airport! I chose two different styles, because I like the idea of having one for when I want a more casual look and another when I choose ton dress up a bit.
Gucci Belt – This one goes without explanation. A nice stylish piece to add to my collection.

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Don’t Be Intimidated

I know it’s been a while since I’ve written, but I wanted to take a few minutes to give you some simple encouragement.

It’s very easy these days to get caught up in our daily activities and forget what we are working toward. Sometimes we can even get so caught up in our lives and the lives of those around us that we forget why we are even striving to make things happen in the first place…

We begin to get discouraged and then over time as we witness what others are accomplishing around us, intimidation quickly follows.

Don’t let it.

If you’ve followed me for a while, then you know my mantra.. “no one can do what you do, the way that you do it!”

Your gift, your calling, your dream and your vision were given to you for a reason and it is up to you to carry it out.

 

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